The Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) new maintenance facility, which is targeting net zero, has received LEED Platinum certification.

The new 361,700 sf east campus operations center on a 50-acre site includes offices, equipment repair shops, maintenance and warehouse buildings, storage space, and parking for fleet vehicles and employees. It is the nation’s first field operations center to receive LEED Platinum.

The project is also one of the largest net zero energy projects in North America. The design features techniques for low energy heating, cooling, and lighting that reduces energy consumption by 40%. In total, the facility has an annual savings of over 3.7 million KWH or enough electricity to power 413 homes.

About the Author: A seasoned industry leader, Young combines deep understanding of both lighting and controls. Currently VP of Sales and Marketing for WattStopper, Young formerly served in a series of senior positions with Acuity Brands®, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of the company's specialty lighting group. He graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in planning and energy management.